Tether’s Fifth Annual Budtender Appreciation Week Recap

Budtender Appreciation Week 2026 (Tether’s fifth annual!) brought together brands, Budtenders, retail decision-makers, and other industry professionals across three key Canadian cannabis markets, including Kelowna, Toronto, and Edmonton.

Across three events, B-Week created opportunities for direct brand-to-retailer engagement, product education, networking, and hands-on learning. The events helped retail staff strengthen their product knowledge, build confidence in their recommendations, and stay current on a rapidly evolving cannabis market.

Education and relationship building continue to play an important role in retail success. B-Week 2026 reinforced the value of face-to-face conversations between brands and the people influencing purchasing decisions every day on the sales floor.

B-Week 2026 By the Numbers

This B-Week featured a diverse lineup of licensed producers, accessory companies, and consumer brands, including Turning Point Brands Canada, Ryot, Honeystick, Clipper, Zig Zag, PAX, Blazy Susan, Pure Sunfarms, Super Toast, TeaPot, No Future, Smyle Brands, Proofly, High Maintenance, JUST Seltzers Lite, Sense & Purpose, Fuego, BOLD, Back Forty, Stewart Farms, Puffer's Paradise, West Coast Gas, Partake, Palm Gardens Cannabis Co., Voodoo, Twist, Emerald Hour, MillRite, Aspire Infusions, Shatterizer, FIGR, Loosh, Big Pete's Treats, A HA!, Eat Your Greens, Doobie Snacks, and Omega Trees, with over 500 Budtenders, store managers, keyholders, owners, and buyers retail associates having attended across all three events.

Thousands of Brand-to-Retail Interactions

Throughout the week, attendees connected directly with brand representatives, explored new product launches, learned about emerging categories, and participated in conversations that support stronger consumer recommendations at retail.

For brands, these interactions provided valuable opportunities to gather feedback, answer questions, and build relationships with the retail teams responsible for introducing products to consumers.

Why Cannabis Retail Education Matters

Budtenders remain one of the most influential voices in the cannabis purchasing journey.

Consumers regularly look to retail staff for guidance when choosing products, while new genetics, formats, cannabinoid profiles, beverages, concentrates, accessories, and infused products continue to enter the market at a rapid pace.

Events like B-Week help bridge that gap by giving retail teams direct access to the people behind the brands. They also give brands a clearer understanding of what retailers are hearing from consumers and where additional education is needed.

The result is stronger product knowledge, greater confidence at the point of sale, improved customer experiences, and more informed purchasing decisions.

What We Learned from B-Week 2026

Across all three cities, one takeaway stood out: hands-on product education remains one of the most effective ways to support budtender development and retail success.

When retail staff have opportunities to engage directly with brands, ask questions, and learn from firsthand experiences, they become more confident in the recommendations they make every day. At the same time, brands gain valuable insight into consumer trends and retailer priorities.

These conversations strengthen the entire cannabis ecosystem, creating better outcomes for brands, retailers, and consumers.

Looking Ahead

B-Week 2026 was powered by the people who make Canada's cannabis industry thrive.

As cannabis retail continues to evolve, Tether remains committed to creating opportunities for education, networking, and meaningful industry connections that support both our retail community and brand partners.

Join Upcoming Cannabis Industry Events

Looking to connect with cannabis brands, strengthen your product knowledge, or expand your professional network?

Stay connected with Tether for upcoming Budtender and buyer events happening across Canada. Check out our upcoming event schedule for more info.